Keynote Speaker
Mr. Stephen Liu
Mr. Stephen Liu is the CEO of Ridpest Sdn Bhd since 1st Feb 1985. He is the founding member of Pest Control Association for Malaysia-1994, serving as Honorary Treasurer, President and Honorary Member. He is first Pest Management company to start franchising. He completed Pest Control Technology and Advanced Level Urban and Industrial Integrated Pest Management by Purdue University, USA. Recently completed Professional Certificate and Diploma in Nutritional & Functional Medicine in UCYP University. Currently a License Nature Guide.
Plenary Speakers
Prof Lee Chow Yang
Prof Lee Chow Yang is the Professor and Endowed Presidential Chair in Urban Entomology at the University of California, Riverside, USA. He is internationally known for his research on behavioral, ecological, and physiological adaptations of urban insect pests. He published >295 peer-reviewed papers and books and mentored 17 PhD and 32 MS students. Chow Yang received many accolades, including the Fellow of the Entomological Society of America, Recognition Award in Medical, Urban and Veterinary Entomology (2022) from the Entomological Society of America, and the Arnold Mallis Distinguished Achievement Award in Urban Entomology (2022) from the National Conference on Urban Entomology (USA).
Prof Faith Oi
Prof Faith Oi is Extension Professor and Director of Pest Management University, an academy that provides state-of-the-art education and hands-on training for the industry. She does applied research to solve industry problems. She has published >275 Extension, refereed and technical journal articles, led the development of 10 multiday curricula in structural pest management, and has given >400 presentations. She is the recipient of the PCT Crown Leadership Award, International IPM Award of Recognition, Florida Extension Association FCS Outstanding Specialist, and serves on the Governing Board of the Entomological Society of America as Treasurer.
Prof Indra Vythilingam
Prof Indra Vythilingam is a Professor in the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She is internationally recognized for her research in the vectors of non-human primate malarias and proactive approaches in the control and surveillance of dengue vectors. She has published ≥ 180 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and supervised 11 PhD and 4 MSc students. Indra received the Sandosham Gold medal for excellence in Parasitology and Tropical Medicine from the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine; Malaysia’s Star Research Award 2017, outstanding national researcher in tropical diseases by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia and she was cited by Stanford University as one of the top 2% scientists for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 in her field of expertise.
Prof Michael K. Rust
Michael Rust's career as an urban entomologist began at the University of California, Riverside in 1975. Currently, he is semi-retired with a special appointment in the Graduate Division. He has authored or co-authored over 180 scientific peer-reviewed and 140 technical papers. His awards include the ESA Woodworth Award, ESA Distinguished Urban Entomology Award, Mallis Recognition Award National Conference on Urban Entomology, Fellow of the Entomological Society of America and AAAS, and Pest Control Hall of Fame. Some current research topics included the interaction of baits and sprays to control German cockroaches and developing attractants and baits for yellowjacket control.
Prof Nan-Yao Su
Prof Nan-Yao Su authored and co-authored over 340 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters on termite biology and control. He is the inventor of the Sentricon system that has been marketed in 32 countries since 1995 to protect 4.3 million homes. He received over 25 awards and honors and established the Nan-Yao Su Award for Innovation and Creativity in Entomology of Entomological Society of America. Dr. Su received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Kyoto Institute of Technology, Japan, and his Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii. He holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Entomology since 2015.
Invited Speakers
Dr. Abdul Hafiz
Assoc. Professor Ts. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid is a prominent academic at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, with expertise in Urban, Structural, and Molecular Entomology. He holds a B.Sc. in Biology & Management of Vectors and Parasites, a Master's in Urban & Industrial Entomology, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since 2009, he has been a Board Certified Entomologist in Urban & Industrial Entomology. Dr. Abdul Hafiz has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles in the fields of Urban and Molecular Entomology. He is currently the President of the Entomological Society of Malaysia and an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Pest Management Association. His research primarily focuses on urban pest management and the use of molecular genetics to investigate insect breeding patterns and population structures.
Ms. Camelia Loh
With 20 years experience in recruitment, Camelia has seen how the job market has evolved and understands the struggles young talent face when starting their careers. To bridge this gap, she founded Kabel, a platform that guides students from education to employment. Kabel offers career assessments, portfolio building, and hands-on learning experiences, all designed to help students discover paths that match their skills, interests, and values. With her passion for youth development, she is committed to helping young talent reach their full potential and achieve their career goals.
Ms. Carol Lam
Carol Lam is the Managing Director of Rentokil Initial Malaysia and oversees the Brunei and Philippines business. She has been with Rentokil Initial (M) Sdn Bhd since 1991, and after 18 years in the Hygiene business she became Managing Director in 2009 for both the Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellness businesses. Carol obtained her MBA from the University of Arcadia, Pennsylvania and Advanced Diploma In Business Administration, ABE UK. She has held roles as Deputy President, Vice President – Membership and Exco member with The Malaysia Pest Management Association (MPMA) and as Projects Chairman and School Education Chairman in the Quality Restroom Association of Malaysia (QRAM).
Prof Changlu Wang
Prof Changlu Wang is a professor in the Department of Entomology, Rutgers University. He received his B.S. from Beijing Forestry University (1985), M.S. from Chinese Academy of Forestry (1988), and Ph.D. from West Virginia University (1998). His research focuses on developing new and improved techniques and materials for urban pest management, insecticide resistance, and insect behavior. He published 13 books/book chapters, >110 peer-reviewed papers, and >30 non-peer-reviewed articles, and coauthored two patents that turned into widely used products in the U.S. Dr. Wang received multiple regional and national awards for his research and extension efforts in urban pest management.
Dr. Chong-Chin Heo
Dr. Heo earned his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences (Hons.) and a Master's in Medical Science (Parasitology) from the National University of Malaysia. He completed his Ph.D. in Entomology at Texas A&M University in 2016. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. As of November 2024, Dr. Heo has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. In recognition of his academic excellence, he received the John Henry Comstock Graduate Student Award from the Entomological Society of America in 2017. Additionally, Dr. Heo has been a Board-Certified Entomologist (BCE) since 2016.
Dr. Chris Daeyun Kim
Chris Daeyun Kim is a lecturer of the Department of Entomology at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. His research focuses on urban pest and medical vector management, emphasizing biological, behavioral, and morphological characteristics. He has published over 10 peer-reviewed papers and translated books. In 2018, he received publication awards from Universiti Sains Malaysia for his research on bed bugs, as well as recognition from the Entomological Society of America for his work on mosquitoes. He serves as a subject editor for the Entomological Research journal, published by the Entomological Society of Korea.
Dr. Christina Liew
Associate Professor Christina Liew is an experienced Medical Entomologist and Executive Director of the Public Hygiene Council, Singapore. Her diverse roles at Singapore’s National Environment Agency have included: leading applied vector research; managing international partnerships and scientific conferences for the WHO Collaborating Centre; implementing public communications and engagement strategies for Project Wolbachia – Singapore; and leading strategic, risk and crisis communications for public health issues, including Dengue and COVID-19. Christina is also active in student education and mentoring, and holds adjunct and teaching positions at Nanyang Technological University, LKCMedicine, and National University of Singapore.
Prof Dini M. Miller
Dini Miller is a Professor of Entomology at Virginia Tech University, and a recognized expert in German cockroach and bed bug remediation. Dr. Miller received her undergraduate degree from UCLA in Geography/Ecosystems. She completed her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Florida where she studied German cockroach aggregation behavior. She has won numerous awards for her work in urban entomology, including the Crown leadership award, the "US HUD Healthy Housing HERO" award, and the Pi Chi Omega Publication of Professional Services award. In 2019, Dr. Miller was inducted into the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame.
Prof Dong-Hwan Choe
Dong-Hwan Choe is a Cooperative Extension Specialist / Professor in the Department of Entomology at University of California, Riverside. Choe got his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from Korea University, and got his MS and PhD in Entomology from University of California, Riverside. His research program focuses on three major areas: urban entomology, insect behavior, and chemical ecology. Choe’s research has focused on exploring innate and learned behaviors of economically or environmentally important insect species to develop more effective integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Choe is also organize UCR Urban Pest Management Conference as well as UCR Fumigation School.
Dr. Farah Shafawati
Farah Shafawati Mohd-Taib is a wildlife ecologist focusing on birds and small mammals. Through more than 10 years of research experience, she has applied her expertise in the management of urban pests, including birds. She has collaborated with related agencies and companies for bird control strategies, other than raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need for effective management strategies. Farah is also active in educational initiatives, aiming to engage the public in conservation efforts and promote a deeper understanding of urban ecosystems, thus creating a harmonious coexistence between urban development and wildlife in Malaysia.
Dr. Hasber Salim
Hasber Salim is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Previously, Hasber was a Senior Entomologist with FGV R&D Group, a key player in the oil palm industry, before he obtained his doctorate in vertebrate pest management from Universiti Putra Malaysia and joined academia. He is a founding member and the current coordinator of the Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group at USM (http://borg.usm.my). Additionally, Hasber heads the rodent pest laboratory at USM, an independent laboratory conducting efficiency tests and secondary poisoning assessments of rodenticides on rodent pests and non-target organisms.
Prof Hongjie Li
Prof Hongjie Li is a Professor at Ningbo University specializing in urban pest management. A National Young Talent and Zhejiang Provincial Outstanding Youth Fund recipient, he has published in leading journals like PNAS, Science Advances, and Nature Communications. Prof Hongjie Li leads research funded by major national agencies and serves in key roles for the Entomological Society of China and Zhejiang Preventive Medicine Association. His work has been featured by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, U.S. Department of Energy, and prominent media outlets like The New York Times and Nature.
Prof Houfeng Li
Hou-Feng Li, a Distinguished Professor of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, specializes in termite biology and management. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Prof. Li has authored over 80 papers and book chapters and has delivered over 160 presentations at professional conferences. He has served as President of the Taiwan Entomological Society (2019-2020) and currently leads the Pacific Rim Termite Research Group (2024-present). Since 2014, he has also been actively involved in the Taiwan Environmental Pest Management Association.
Prof Intan Ahmad
Intan Ahmad, a Professor of Entomology at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia. His research primarily targets Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector, focusing on vector surveillance systems, and insect sterile techniques. Intan served on Indonesia's Pesticide Commission, the Expert Committee for Vector Control at the Ministry of Health, and is currently on a taskforce combating arboviruses. His past roles include Director General of Learning and Student Affairs at the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, and acting rector of Jakarta State University. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Ph.D. in Entomology), he has authored over 65 academic publications.
Mr. Johnny JL Ooi
Johnny Ooi Juan Lee (黄远利) was born in 1954 in Teluk Anson, Perak. He began his career in pest control with Rentokil Malaysia in 1974, eventually becoming General Manager for Asia. After leaving in 2003, he joined Abadi Hygiene Services as Director of Sales and Marketing, leading significant growth. Following its acquisition by Rentokil in 2016, he served as a market strategy advisor for IMP Biotech and later as a consultant for BASF Malaysia. A prominent figure in pest management, he has held various leadership roles in the Pest Control Association of Malaysia and the Malaysia Pest Management Association.
Ms. Jo-Lynn Teh
Jo Lynn Teh, BCE, is Director of HYSIA Singapore, an environmental health company specialising in pest management and food safety. She is a Board-Certified Entomologist with the Entomological Society of America and a licensed Vector Control Technician under Singapore's National Environment Agency. Additionally, Jo Lynn lectures on the Integrated Pest Management module at Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, and currently serves as Honorary Secretary for the Singapore Pest Management Association. With over 15 years of technical and operational expertise, Jo Lynn specializes in investigation, consulting, and designing advanced solutions beyond conventional pest management.
Dr. Ju Hyeon Kim
Ju Hyeon Kim is an Assistant Professor of Seoul National University College of Medicine, specializing in medical entomology. Her research focuses on the vectorial capacity and insecticide resistance of medical arthropods. With a particular interest in the mechanisms of vector competence, she conducts research aimed at reducing vector-borne diseases through the One Health approach. Ju Hyeon actively monitors insecticide resistance patterns and develops tailored strategies for sustainable management of medical pest populations in Korea. She is also passionate about public education, offering accessible lectures on vector-borne diseases and blood-feeding arthropods to diverse audiences.
Ms. Julie Na
Julie, Syngenta Asia Pacific's Technical Services Manager for Professional Pest Management, holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Entomology from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her research under the mentorship of Prof. Chow-Yang Lee led to the publication of the first identification key on urban pest ants in Malaysia. With over two decades of experience, Julie's expertise spans from pest management services, technical advisory, operations management, online reporting, food safety compliances, product innovation, MAFAS and AQIS/AFAS fumigation, CO2-pesticide treatment, bird-proofing techniques, and pesticide distribution. Julie continues to provide valuable training and consultation, enhancing technical capabilities among colleagues and peers in other Regions.
Mr. Junichiro Katayama
Mr Junichiro Katayama is a president of Semco Co., Ltd., the leading distributor of professional pest management products. Semco has been concentrating on the innovating an artificial intelligence based pest monitoring system which will potentially change the way of pest management strategy. He graduated from Kyoto University (BA in Law) in Japan and the University of Cambridge (MPhil in Economics) in UK. He is an Honorary President of Federation of Asia and Oceania Pest Managers Association (FAOPMA) and served as a Board of Director for more than 10 years.
Dr. Khoirul Himmi Setiawan
Dr. Khoirul Himmi Setiawan is a Research Professor at Research Center for Applied Zoology BRIN, specializing in bioecology and management of wood-attacking insects. He earned his Master's and Ph.D. from Kyoto University studying drywood termite nesting biology using a non-destructive monitoring technique, X-ray computed tomography. A recipient of the HOPE Fellowship from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in 2016, he has led research projects under the Japan-ASEAN Science Technology Innovation Platform (JASTIP) since 2017. He served as Secretary-General of the Pacific-Rim Termite Research Group (PRTRG) 2020-2024 and currently chairs the Indonesian Society for the Study of Wood-Attacking Insects (MAPERKA).
Prof Kok-Boon Neoh
Kok-Boon Neoh is a Professor at the Department of Entomology at National Chung Hsing University. He published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers. He was a visiting researcher at the University of California, Riverside, and Anastasia Mosquito Control District in St. Augustine. His research primarily focuses on the ecology of urban pests and pest management, including cockroaches, mosquitos, and ants. In particular, his team is fully committed to studying behavioral and physiological resistance in German cockroaches that contribute to the reduced performance of gel bait. His research motive is to seek locally tailored strategies to develop a sustainable management program to mitigate resistance issues in German cockroaches in Taiwan.
Ms. Minako Okabe
Minako Okabe, born in 1979, is the President of Shell-Syoji, a pest management company founded in 1960 in Japan. She graduated from Musashino Art University in 2004, joined Shell-Syoji in 2008, and succeeded the family business in 2010. She completed her studies at the Graduate School of Project Design in 2016 and established 8thCAL in 2018, focusing on sustainable solutions for environmental hygiene.
Dr. Nik Fadzly Nik Rosely
Nik Fadzly is a researcher at Universiti Sains Malaysia, specializing in plant-animal interactions, IoT, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. With a passion for integrating technology into ecological studies, Nik engages in projects such as satellite telemetry for sea turtle tracking, parrot pose estimation, and drone-based ecological research. He also organizes AI workshops for conservationists and actively explores the ethical challenges of AI in ecology. His work bridges the gap between conservation and emerging technologies, focusing on practical field applications and innovative technological solutions.
Dr. Partho Dhang
Partho Dhang received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in zoology from university of Madras, Chennai India. Partho Dhang after his doctorate joined a private organization, SPIC Science Foundation in India as a scientist and worked on development of various bio-rational products.
HE left India in the year 1998, to work for a number of companies on short stints, focused on urban entomology.
HIS close association with the pest control industry, has allowed him to edit and write FIVE books, published by CABI. He is also a prolific speaker in international conferences across the world.
Mr. Raja Mahendran
Dr. Raja Mahendran, International Pest Business Consultant based in Sydney, Australia and licensed with the EPA in NSW Australia as a licensed Pest Control Operator.
Raja is a global thought leader in pest control strategy and is here to revolutionise the way you think about pest management.
With a Doctorate in Business Administration from Switzerland, Certification in Strategic Marketing from Harvard USA, Masters in Entomology from Sri Lanka, Bachelor's in biology from India, recognition as a Certified Marketing Practitioner (CPM) by the Australian Marketing Institute, Raja has guided some of the world’s top agrochemical and biotech companies to successfully develop and launch innovative pest control products around the world. His latest assignment is with Oxitec UK, as their Business Development Director for Asia Pacific。
Mr. Ridzuan Ismail
Ridzuan is a Director in Ento Works Sdn Bhd and an Entomologist by profession. He has 37 years of working experience in the household pesticides industry as well as the analytical laboratory environment. For several years he served in the Executive Council of the Malaysian Croplife & Public Health Association and representing Malaysia in the International WHOPES (WHO Pesticides Evaluation Scheme). His technical forte is leading organizations in initiatives for GLP and MS ISO17025. Currently he is attached to several companies as a Technical Consultant
Prof Salmah Yaakop
Salmah Yaakop is a Professor of Insect Systematics at Centre for Insect Systematics, Faculty of
Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor. She is an active entomologist conducting research in the fields of taxonomy, biodiversity, biogeography, and phylogeny of insect species that have significant importance in agriculture, biotechnology, and health. She has published more than 142 works, including journal articles, books, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Additionally, she has successfully supervised 30 PhD and 18 MSc students. She served as the President of the Entomological Society of Malaysia (ENTOMA) from
2019 to 2020 and currently holds the position of Chief Editor of the SERANGGA Journal (Scopusindexed). She has also been appointed to the technical committee for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Malaysia and serves as a visiting professor, advisor, and panel member for various local and international universities, institutions, agencies, and NGOs based on her expertise.
Mr. Sathes Chandran
Sathes Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer of Pesterminators Pvt Ltd, Maldives and Sri Lanka, is a leader in promoting sustainable pest management practices across diverse regions. His work includes extensive collaboration with international associations including Global Pest Management Coalition, stakeholders, and academic leaders to advance industry standards and innovative approaches. Known for promoting and discussing about sustainable strategies, Sathes has actively contributed to regional and global discussions through the GPMC Sustainability committee and other international associations by sharing insights on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a pathway to sustainable development. Through training initiatives, workshops, and
conferences, he has empowered professionals to adopt sustainable solutions and address region-specific pest challenges. His efforts to drive industry wide growth through education and sustainable practice have been widely recognized, reflecting his dedication to shaping a resilient future for pest management. He holds a bachelor degree from Madras University and MBA from Wales University, UK. He’s a member of Royal Entomological society and Life fellow of the entomological society of India. He had undergone training from various institutes on the urban pest management segment and provide training to diverse group in different region.
Dr. Scotty Yang
Dr Scotty Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, USA, where he leads extensive research on invasive ants, covering areas such as behavior, microbial interactions, and innovative pest management strategies. He has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, including several in high-profile peer-reviewed journals. He has collaborated with regulatory agencies worldwide to develop invasive ant manuals for monitoring, surveillance, and control. He looks forward to working with Southeast Asian pest management professionals to strengthen the region’s preparedness for potential fire ant invasions and to support rapid response efforts.
Dr. Ong Song Quan
Song-Quan Ong is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. His research covers the areas of pest ecology, insect toxicology and the application of artificial intelligence in these areas. He has published more than 40 articles in journals such as Pest Management Science, Malaria Journal, Scientific Reports, etc. Song-Quan is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (MIC) and a professional technologist of the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) in the field of Information Technology (IT). He is also a designated entomologist of MAF and NAMRU-2, a computational ecologist at Aarhus University and an adjunct researcher at UOW Malaysia.
Dr. Stephen Doggett
Stephen has 40 years' experience in medical entomology, having researched mosquitoes, ticks, bed bugs and their management, with >4,500 citations. He has served as Chief Editor on the Australian bed bug standard, the FAOPMA Magazine for 5 years, and the first academic bed bug textbook for 50 years, Advances in the Biology and Management of Modern Bed Bugs. Stephen is an award-winning insect photographer and produced the world’s first Pest Management Sustainability Guidelines to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. He authored Do You Have Bed Bugs? and is twice recipient of the 'Award for Excellence' in Australia’s pest management.
Dr. Steven Su
Tianyun Steven Su, M.Sc., M.D., Ph.D. has a broad education in preventive medicine, human parasitology, and medical entomology. Throughout his career, Steven has been on a productive, achieving and rewarding track in teaching parasitology and medical entomology, research in vector and pest control, QA and QC of vector and pest control entities, development and regulation in biorational control products, and pesticide resistance management. Since 1987, Steven has authored over 160 publications, and 290 research reports on product evaluation. Steven holds membership of numerous prestige professional associations in the USA, Europe, and China, and is recognized for his significant contributions.
Dr. Sze-Huei Yek
Sze-Huei Yek is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. She is known for researching behavioral ecological adaptations of ants' interactions with other organisms. She has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers and has prior experience mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate research students in different countries. She chairs the 13th Asian Myrmecology Network conference (2023), which brings ants researchers from Asia, Europe, USA, and Australia together to celebrate achievements, discuss recent findings, and foster collaborative efforts on ants research.
Mr. Taro Kanazawa
Owner/CEO of HYSIA, providing pest risk management consulting, training and commercial pest management services in several countries including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. Prior to having 15 years of experience in business management of pest management companies, Taro worked as a HR consultant and a marketing consultant in Tokyo and Melbourne. Currently based in Sendai, Japan, serving as the president of FAOPMA (2023-2025) with a purpose of making our industry more valued, relevant and respected.
Prof Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap
Professor Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap is the Director of the Research and Lifelong Learning Center for Urban and Environmental Entomology at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. He plays a pivotal role in vector control and is a highly influential figure in both national and international scientific communities. He leads the Nationwide Network for monitoring the responses of mosquito vectors to insecticides and vector control in Thailand and has served as an external consultant for the Vector Borne Disease Bureau, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, since 2004. Internationally, Professor Theeraphap collaborates with leading entomologists from various institutions. Since 2022, he has served as the Vice President of the Asian Society of Vector Ecology and Mosquito Control (ASVMC) in China and a member of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, TDR/WHO (2022-2025). In 2023, he was awarded the Tremplin ASEAN Award by the Academy of Sciences in Paris, France, and the SOMA Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Medical Arthropodology in India, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to vector-borne disease control and medical entomology.
Ms. Vanitha Chethan
Ms. Vanitha Chethan is a Founder/Proprietor and Technical Expertise of Spectrum Integrated Pest Management Services. She is Post Graduate in Agricultural Sciences (MSc Agri) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. She is Accredited Fumigation Operator for Aluminium Phosphide (NSPM 22) and Methyl Bromide (NSPM 11 & 12) from PPQS (Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage) - Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s welfare and AFAS (Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme). She is an Accredited Trainer recognized from NIRD and PR (National Instructor for Rural Development and Panchayath Raj) and Conduct Training Sessions at Various Level for Technicians, Supervisors, Managers and Customers. Also, she is the Committee Member (MC South Zone) of IPCA for the Current term 2024-2026 where she is the first Woman MC in the history of Indian Pest Control Association. She is passionate to travel & attend various conventions, symposiums, conferences & develop her knowledge & networking at National & International level wherein she got an opportunity to participate and represent India on behalf of Indian Pest Control Association (IPCA) in PEST SUMMIT 2022 at Kyoto, Japan organized by FAOPMA. She has Rich Experience of 25 years in Pest Management Industry (Particularly in Fumigation) and her dedication towards the work / Commitment towards the responsibilities and her compassion has made her a successful Entrepreneur in the Industry. She will always be in the first place to share her knowledge, to guide & support the youngsters and newcomers as a give back to the industry.
Dr. Veera Singham Genasan
Dr. Veera Singham Genasan, an entomologist in molecular biology and urban pest management, graduated with first-class honors in Applied Biology and earned a Ph.D. in Applied Entomology from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Currently, a senior lecturer, he also serves as the Secretary General of the Pacific-Rim Termite Research Group and as the guest editor for Current Opinion in Insect Science. Dr. Veera Singham Genasan has spearheaded more than 20 industry-partnered projects, furthering pest control innovations and connecting science with industry impact, which has earned him the esteemed Fulbright Malaysian Scholar Award for his research on insecticide resistance of urban pests.
Dr. Wan Fatma Zuharah
Wan Fatma Zuharah holds the esteemed position of Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia and as a Director of Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF). Her scholarly pursuits are concentrated on the vector and pest managements by understanding the ecology and behavioural of vectors and pests that leads to the management tactics and the impact of insecticides on vector & pests. Additionally, she is engaged in researching green technology as an alternative method in managing vectors and pests. She has published more than 80 research articles and trained 6 PhD, 11 MSc. and 42 BSc. final year projects. Wan Fatma received few awards from US-ASEAN Fulbright Fellowship (2024), Globalwiin Recognition Award (2024), ASEAN-Indian Fellowship (2019) and Taiwan Southbound Visiting Research Award (2018). Furthermore, she secured a patent for her primary innovation concerning insect repellent in 2023 and currently holds three copyrights related to her work.
Dr. Zubaidah Ya'cob
A Senior Lecturer at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya and an entomologist specializing in arthropod vectors of infectious diseases and pests. Her research productivity reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge on disease vectors such as ticks, chiggers, sandflies, and blackflies. Her work has primarily focused on understanding vector biology, ecology, and pathogen transmission mechanisms of scrub typhus, rickettsioses, onchocerciasis, and leishmaniasis. This research has yielded significant insights that inform public health approaches to disease management and prevention, contributing to a robust body of publications and collaborative projects.